Daily "The Hindu" Vocab & Editorial 21 January 2026 | English Notes for SSC by Bhragu Sir

Building a strong vocabulary is essential for competitive exams like SSC. Today’s session focuses on high-frequency words, idioms, and spelling rules. These notes will help you improve your accuracy and speed in the English section.  At the same time, it encourages a positive mindset toward preparation and failure for exams like SSC GD, SSC CGL, CHSL, RRB Group D, NTPC, ALP, and Railway Exams. Consistent exposure to such curated vocabulary improves reading comprehension, reduces errors in the English section, and boosts overall exam confidence

Daily "The Hindu" Vocab & Editorial 21 January 2026

Daily editorial reading improves word knowledge. It also improves sentence understanding. SSC exams often test vocabulary. Questions come from synonyms, antonyms, spellings, and usage. Editorials help students see words in context. This makes learning stronger and long-lasting.

Editorial reading also builds discipline. It trains the mind to focus. Over time, students gain confidence in English sections.

Vocabulary Focus from the Session

The vocabulary discussed is commonly seen in editorials. These words are frequently asked in SSC exams. Each word is explained in a clear manner.

1. Obstreperous

Meaning: Noisy and difficult to control.
Use: Used to describe behavior.
Exam Use: Often asked as a synonym question.
Related word: Boisterous.

2. Pusillanimous

Meaning: Cowardly or lacking courage.
Use: Used for people or actions.
Antonym: Brave, bold.
Exam Tip: Remember it as the opposite of courage.

3. Ubiquitous

Meaning: Present everywhere.
Use: Common in editorials about technology and society.
Antonym: Rare.
Exam Tip: Very common in SSC exams.

4. Parsimonious

Meaning: Very stingy.
Use: Used in financial or personal context.
Antonym: Generous.
Exam Tip: Important for one-word substitution.

5. Tenacious

Meaning: Very determined.
Use: Describes attitude or effort.
Synonym: Persistent.
Exam Tip: Often confused with “stubborn”.

6. Ephemeral

Meaning: Lasting for a short time.
Use: Used for trends or emotions.
Antonym: Eternal.
Exam Tip: Remember it with “temporary”.

7. Ostentatious

Meaning: Showy or meant to attract attention.
Use: Used in lifestyle or social context.
Antonym: Simple.
Exam Tip: Not always positive in meaning.

8. Bellicose

Meaning: Aggressive or war-like.
Use: Used for nations or people.
Antonym: Peaceful.
Exam Tip: Often appears in editorials on conflict.

9. Indebted

Meaning: Owing money or gratitude.
Use: Financial and emotional context.
Exam Tip: Understand both meanings.

10. Melancholy

Meaning: Sad or gloomy.
Use: Used for mood or atmosphere.
Antonym: Cheerful.
Exam Tip: Emotional vocabulary is common.

11. Inadvertent

Meaning: Unintentional.
Use: Used in legal or formal writing.
Synonym: Accidental.
Exam Tip: Do not confuse with “careless”.

12. Atheist

Meaning: One who does not believe in God.
Use: Social or philosophical context.
Exam Tip: Do not confuse with agnostic.

13. Vigilant

Meaning: Careful and watchful.
Use: Used for security or responsibility.
Exam Tip: Common adjective in editorials.

14. Cajole

Meaning: To persuade using flattery.
Use: Describes communication style.
Exam Tip: Often appears in sentence correction.

Idioms and Phrases for SSC

Idioms are important for SSC exams. They test understanding of meaning. Literal meaning does not apply.

Cry over spilled milk

Meaning: Regret over something that cannot be changed.
Exam Tip: Common in idiom-based questions.

Throw down the gauntlet

Meaning: To challenge someone.
Exam Tip: Used in competitive or political context.

Play to the gallery

Meaning: To act for public approval.
Exam Tip: Often used in criticism.

To meet one’s Waterloo

Meaning: To face final defeat.
Exam Tip: Popular historical idiom.

Also Read:

• SSC Monthly Current Affairs
• SSC Weekly Current Affairs

Spelling Accuracy for Exams

Spelling questions are common in SSC. Many students lose marks here. Focus on frequently confused words.

Embarrass

Correct spelling: E-M-B-A-R-R-A-S-S
Tip: Two “r” and two “s”.

Deceive

Correct spelling: D-E-C-E-I-V-E
Tip: Remember “ei” comes after “ce”.

Dictionary

Correct spelling: D-I-C-T-I-O-N-A-R-Y
Tip: Ends with “ary”, not “nary”.

One-Word Substitutions

These are useful for both the vocabulary and writing sections of your exam:

• Atheist: A person who does not believe in the existence of God.

• Vigilant: Someone who is very careful and watchful for danger.

• Cajole: To persuade someone to do something by using flattery.

Important Verbs

• Tampered with: To interfere with records or equipment (Negative).

• Obfuscate: To intentionally make something confusing.

• Inundate: To overwhelm or flood (Antonym: Drain).

• Introspection: The act of examining your own thoughts and feelings.

Memory Tips (Mnemonics)

• Malevolent/Malign: The prefix "Mal-" always means bad (e.g., Malnutrition, Malpractice).

• Impecunious: Think "I'm-penny-less"—someone who is very poor.

• Ebullient: Sounds like "bullish"—cheerful and full of energy.

English preparation needs patience. Daily effort brings improvement. Vocabulary and idioms are scoring areas. Editorial reading strengthens both language and comprehension.

This The Hindu vocabulary session helps build clarity. It supports exam-oriented learning. Regular practice ensures steady progress. With discipline and revision, students can handle English sections with confidence.

PW provides SSC exam content, including SSC Exams Updates, sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more. Also, enroll today in the SSC Online Batches for preparation.